Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters. Some are intentionally made to this size for use in products such as cosmetics, hygiene products, and clothing. While others come from the degradation of larger pieces of plastic, such as packaging, bottles, and fishing nets.
These micro-particles then end up in different ecosystems, contaminating humans, flora, and fauna. In this article, we will review the effects of microplastics on human and animal health, as well as some recommendations to help you reduce your personal exposure.
How do microplastics end up in the environment?
Today, microplastics contaminate all environments, from the oceans to the peaks of mountains, with harmful consequences for the planet and its inhabitants.
What are the main sources of microplastics?
The main sources of microplastics are synthetic textiles, plastic waste, and cosmetic products.
Synthetic textiles
Omnipresent in our wardrobe (polyester, spandex, rayon, etc.) these micro-particles can be released during washing and friction of clothes.
Degradation of plastic waste
Abandoned in our environment or improperly discarded, plastic waste undergoes progressive degradation under the action of various factors.
Here are a few:
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UV rays breaking down the long molecular chains of plastic polymers.
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Water (fresh or salty) promoting the hydrolysis of plastics.
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The friction of plastic waste against rocks, waves, or other objects.
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Microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, capable of degrading certain types of plastic.
Cosmetics and hygiene products
The presence of microplastics in cosmetics comes from two main sources: packaging and the ingredients themselves.
Indeed, microplastics are often intentionally added to cosmetic products as:
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Exfoliants: Microbeads of polyethylene or polypropylene used to exfoliate the skin.
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Texture agents: Synthetic polymers that provide texture to hair and sensation to products.
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Absorbent agents: Synthetic silicates that absorb moisture and control sebum.
In total, more than 500 different types of polymers are present in cosmetics and other personal care products.
How do microplastics spread in water, soil, and air?
During machine washing, synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, detach from clothing. These microfibers are then flushed away with wastewater and end up in rivers, lakes, and eventually the oceans. A large portion of cosmetic microplastics also heads to the sewers during the rinsing of products (shower gels, exfoliants, toothpastes, etc.)
They even invite themselves into our atmosphere. If the evaporation of water polluted by microplastics constitutes a pathway to the air, other mechanisms, often unknown, contribute to their airborne proliferation. Imagine your tires wearing down on the road! These tiny fragments of rubber and plastic fly away, joining atmospheric microplastics.
Similarly, the simple rubbing of your clothes against each other, even when dry, can release microfibers, contributing to air pollution. Some cosmetic products, such as perfumes and deodorants, also evaporate into the air, releasing microplastics in the form of tiny particles.
Finally, the improper disposal of makeup wipes, cotton swabs, and other cosmetic products can also lead to soil contamination.
What are the detection and measurement methods for microplastics in the environment?
Two spectroscopic techniques are commonly used to identify and analyze microplastics in the environment: Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Coupled with microscopy, these techniques allow for the detection of microplastic particles of incredibly small size, down to 1 µm.
However, a challenge remains: effectively separating these tiny fragments from the surrounding organic matter. Indeed, the degradation of this organic matter is a crucial step in the extraction process, but it often proves to be lengthy and costly. This step thus limits the efficiency and speed of the analysis.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth have also developed a promising method to detect microplastics in wastewater. This technique, published in the journal "Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry", uses a chemical solution called Fenton's reagent to eliminate organic matter, the main source of interference in the analysis of microplastics.
Researchers tested their method on samples of raw wastewater, sewage sludge, and final effluents, adding two types of microplastics of different sizes (polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate). The results of this study are promising: the method allowed for the recovery of between 60 and 80% of the added microplastics, demonstrating its effectiveness in extracting these tiny pollutants.
What are the effects of microplastics on animal health?
The ingestion of large plastic debris is known to cause significant physical harm to animals, such as entanglements, internal injuries, and heavy metal poisoning.
After ingesting plastic microparticles, small animals, such as birds and fish, may also experience blockages in their digestive tracts. This leads to digestive disorders, a false sense of fullness, and a deterioration of body condition, thereby increasing the risks of diseases and mortality.
Once present in the soil, microplastics can also be ingested by terrestrial animals in several ways. For example:
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Herbivores ingest microplastics by grazing on contaminated grass and plants.
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Carnivores and omnivores are exposed to microplastics by consuming prey that have ingested them.
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Earthworms, ingesting the microplastics present in the soil, can transmit them to the animals that consume them.
The consequences of microplastic ingestion on terrestrial animals are the subject of extensive research, but initial results are concerning. This ranges from reduced food intake to risks of suffocation, as well as behavioral changes and genetic modifications.
Exposure to microplastics could even disrupt reproduction and the dynamics of animal populations.
What are the means of transmission of microplastics to humans?
While microplastics (MP) have been detected in a wide range of foods and beverages, most research still focuses on seafood and drinking water. A study study conducted on samples of fish, squid, and shrimp, commonly consumed by humans, demonstrated that 100% of the examined organisms were contaminated with microplastic particles.
Furthermore, a report recently from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other studies have highlighted the presence of MPs in various products:
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salt,
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sugar,
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seafood,
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fish,
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honey,
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beer,
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bottled water,
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meat,
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dairy products,
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fruits and vegetables,
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other edible plants.
Micro-particles also enter our daily lives through more unsuspected pathways: the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even the skin. Some can even be absorbed by intestinal cells and translocated to other organs of the human body, such as the liver, kidneys, and lymph nodes.
What are the risks of plastic particles for human health?
The reading of a publication from SKY reveals that once in the human body, microplastics can cause significant damage through several mechanisms, including:
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Inflammation: Exposure to microplastics can trigger a chronic inflammatory response, increasing the risk of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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Oxidative stress: Microplastics can generate free radicals, a risk factor for various chronic diseases, including cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
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Genotoxicity: Some microplastics can damage DNA, increasing the risk of mutations and cancers.
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Apoptosis and necrosis: Microplastics can induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) or accidental cell death (necrosis), affecting the normal functioning of tissues and organs.
It should be noted that further research is needed to determine the amount of microplastics actually absorbed by humans. In the meantime, researchers like Guillaume Duflos point out the difficulty of detecting these elements in our bodies. It is also essential to conduct unbiased studies to better assess the specific health risks associated with different forms and sizes of microplastics.
In the specific case of our gut exposure, some work led by Muriel Mercier-Bonin and her team have demonstrated for the first time the deleterious effects of microplastics on the human gut microbiota. This could have serious health consequences, particularly by increasing the risk of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, allergies, and other pathologies.
Microplastics and public health
The ingestion of microplastics by humans can lead to a series of harmful consequences for public health and food safety. That is why many public health organizations and regulations are addressing this scourge.
For example, the European Union has taken an important step in the fight against microplastic pollution by adopting new restrictive measures. These measures, taken under the REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) on chemicals, aim to limit the intentional use of microplastics in products. The European Commission has also proposed a new regulation aimed at reducing plastic pellet losses.
Moreover, it is possible to reduce personal and collective exposure to microplastics through simple gestures, such as:
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Ventilate your home and vacuum frequently, especially for PVC floors.
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Regularly ventilate the cabin of your vehicle and lower the windows while driving if possible.
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Carefully read the ingredient list of cosmetic products and avoid those containing plastic microbeads.
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Avoid buying clothes with synthetic fibers that release more microplastics during washing.
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Wash clothes when they are dirty and limit the temperature to 30 degrees.
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Ban prepared meals in plastic trays, especially those intended to be reheated in the microwave.
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Use filters to remove microparticles and eternal pollutants known as PFAS.
In this latter case, it should be noted that activated carbon block filters are very effective, retaining contaminants down to 2 microns. This is the technology we use in our Weeplow gravity water filtration systems, which can eliminate up to 99.999% of harmful contaminants.
Act now to limit the effects of microplastics on your health!
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics in our environment and, consequently, in our bodies, poses a growing threat to human health and the planet. While scientific research is still ongoing to assess the extent of the risks, uncertainties only increase concern.
In the face of this challenge, it is crucial to combine the large-scale efforts of public health organizations with responsible individual actions.
Simple solutions exist, such as water filtration systems, to minimize the impact of these microparticles on our well-being. Find the model that suits you in our shop and start reducing the amount of microparticles your household ingests each day.
